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Golden State Edges Atlanta as WNBA Finals Odds Favorites
The betting odds are in Golden State’s favor. The Valkyries open their WNBA Finals run against the Dream as slight favorites at -115 to Atlanta’s -105. The matchup was a long shot a year ago. Golden State emerged from July’s All-Star Weekend at +800 and Atlanta at +1500 before favorites Minnesota and Las Vegas subsequently made postseason exits. The Valkyries received the fourth-most title bets (10.5%) via BetMGM, edging the fifth-place Dream (7.5%).
WNBA Smashes Viewership, Attendance Stats in Historic 30th Season
The WNBA is wrapping its biggest stats year yet. The league announced record viewership and attendance throughout its milestone 30th season. More than 90 million viewers tuned in across national networks. 51 telecasts averaged at least 1 million viewers — up from 19 in 2025 — including the most-watched first-round playoffs in history.
Report: UEFA Eyes Multi-Club Owner Michele Kang for FIFA President
A women’s sports titan is making headlines, as UEFA reportedly approached multi-team owner Michele Kang about running against current FIFA president Giannai Infantino in the March 2027 election. Kang joins Arsenal legend Arsène Wenger and Norwegian FA head Lise Klaveness as reported challengers, as embattled incumbent Infantino seeks a fourth term.
Retiring Sparks Star Nneka Ogwumike Wins 5th WNBA Sportsmanship Award
Nneka Ogwumike is going out on a high, as the retiring LA Sparks star won the WNBA’s 2026 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award — her fifth all-time and second in back-to-back seasons. The 11-time All Star announced her retirement in August, putting a bow on a 15-year career that spanned an MVP award, league title, and Rookie of the Year nod, among other accolades.
AEZA infrastructure thrives despite sanctions
A new investigation by Qurium Media Foundation finds that the Internet infrastructure associated with the Russian hosting provider Aeza has not disappeared following exposure, service terminations and U.S. sanctions. Instead, much of the underlying network capacity has survived by transferring Internet resources to new legal entities controlled by the same people or closely connected partners.
Emma Hayes, Chelsea Team Up to Address Naomi Girma’s Calf Injury
The USWNT is teaming up across the pond, as coach Emma Hayes and US Soccer work with Chelsea to address Naomi Girma’s fitness after another calf injury sidelined the defender from this month’s camp. Girma has been plagued by the issue since her record $1 million transfer in early 2025. She featured in just 21 matches for the Blues while making eight appearances for the USWNT. “This has happened too often,” Hayes said.
WNBA Semifinal Openers Draw Record Viewership During NFL Sunday
The WNBA’s TV ratings boom keeps rolling, as Sunday’s semifinal doubleheader averaged 1.15 million viewers — up 10% over last year’s viewership. Game 1 between No. 4 Atlanta and No. 8 New York drew 1.17 million on ABC, before No. 3 Las Vegas and No. 2 Golden State pulled 1.12 million on NBC — marking the network’s first WNBA playoffs broadcast since 2002. Both WNBA clashes aired opposite NFL Sunday, holding their own to become the second- and third-most-watched semifinal openers on record.
WPBL CEO Keith Stein Removes Investor Mina Kim Amid Legal Dispute
The WPBL is facing turmoil off the field, as CEO Keith Stein removed investor Mina Kim from the pro baseball league’s board amid an ongoing lawsuit. Kim previously submitted a books and records request in Delaware citing “mounting red flags,” but the legal case required she keep her board seat to proceed. Recent reports alleged Kim rejected an “unauthorized” $600,000 offer to drop her case — a claim her attorneys argued was evidence worth investigating.
Naomi Girma, Olivia Miles, and Alexandra Eala Land on 2026 TIME100 Next List
Women’s sports are shaping the future, as USWNT star Naomi Girma, WTA phenom Alexandra Eala, and WNBA Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles all landed on this week’s 2026 TIME100 Next list. Soccer great Alex Morgan penned Girma’s tribute, calling her “the hardest defender I’ve ever had to play against” and noting her then-record $1 million transfer to Chelsea last year.
PWHL Taps Toronto to Host 1st-Ever All-Star Tournament in 2027
The PWHL is spotlighting its stars. The newly expanded league announced it will hold its first All-Star event on March 7th at Scotiabank Arena. Four 10-player squads — Canada, International, USA, and Rookies — will compete in the 3×3 round-robin tournament. The top teams subsequently advance to a semifinal and final. “The PWHL was built to feature the best players in the world,” said EVP of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford.
Unrivaled 3×3 Signs Multi-Year Apparel Deal with Adidas
Unrivaled 3×3 is gearing up, signing a multi-year deal with Adidas to make the sportswear giant its exclusive apparel partner starting next season. Adidas will provide player uniforms, supply gear for youth offshoots, and roll out retail lines alongside the offseason upstart’s January 2027 return. The news arrives as Unrivaled prepares for a highly anticipated third campaign, after last season saw the expanded league shatter attendance records while reaching a $650 million valuation.
Report: New NWSL Rule Rewards Clubs for Developing U-15 Talent
The NWSL is investing in the youth, as ESPN reported the league quietly launched a new player development rule rewarding clubs for scouting prospects as young as the U-15 level. Under the mechanism, if a team registers a player, funds her training, and logs at least 200 hours of oversight over two years, it can earn salary cap relief — as much as 80% — when she signs her first NWSL contract.
NWSL Unveils Schedule for 2026 Championship Week in DC
The 2026 NWSL Championship is taking shape, as the league announced a full slate of events leading up to the November 21st title game in Washington, DC. The lineup kicks off November 18th with the second annual NWSL Awards, as this season’s top-performing players plus standout teams and coaches step into the spotlight.
Online sweepstakes data-harvesting network run by Norwegian advertising company
Qurium reveals how online “Win a free iPhone” and similar sweepstakes campaigns form part of an interconnected marketing ecosystem designed to collect, distribute and monetize participants’ personal data. Qurium followed active sweepstakes advertisements from their initial landing pages through the companies receiving the data.
USWNT Exits U-20 World Cup After Penalty Shootout Loss to Brazil
The USWNT’s 2026 U-20 World Cup run is over,falling to Brazil 5-4 on penalties after drawing Wednesday’s Round of 16 clash 1-1 through extra time. As Canarinhas struck first, knocking in a header off an in-swinging cross in the 59th minute — shortly before Seattle’s Ainsley McCammon forced the shootout with a 63rd-minute equalizer. The US edged Brazil in possession (53%-47%) and shots on goal (4-2), but went on to convert four of its five penalties while the South American titan buried each one.
WNBPA Slams NBA Over Sports Betting Harassment Memo Snub
The WNBPA isn’t holding back,as Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson blasted the NBA for excluding the WNBA from a joint memo on betting-related harassment. Backed by their unions, the NBA joined the NFL, NHL, MLS, and MLB in urging state regulators to address escalating threats of violence from bettors — without including any women’s leagues.
Women’s Sports Stars, Olympians ‘Infuriated’ Over New Sydney Sweeney Ad
A new Sydney Sweeney ad for sports betting site Novig went viral this week, drawing backlash from big-name athletes accusing the actress and company of sexualizing women's sports. The backlash built fast across social media, as athletes said the Sydney Sweeney ad reduced women to their bodies rather than their achievements. Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, said she felt "infuriated" watching it.
PWHL Signs 1st Season-Long TV Deal with Scripps Sports
The PWHL is broadening its reach, signing its first season-long national TV deal this week after years of relying on streaming, local, and regional US distribution. As the pro hockey league enters its expanded fourth season, ION and Scripps Sports will air a Saturday Game of the Week plus two more weekly games. The network also returns for another exclusive Walter Cup Finals broadcast. The deal delivers the PWHL to 128 million+ households.
European Leagues Accuse FIFA of ‘Abusive Conduct’ Toward Women’s Game
FIFA is facing fresh heat, as Europe’s top leagues accused soccer’s governing body of “abusive conduct” towards the women’s game in a complaint to the European Commission. The group argued that FIFA’s crowded calendar endangers the health and wellbeing of players and leagues while claiming the organization favors its own interests over domestic competition.
USWNT Falls to Italy 2-1 in 2026 U-20 World Cup Opener
The US is off to a shaky start, dropping Sunday’s 2026 U-20 World Cup opener 2-1 to Italy despite outplaying the Azzurre in the attacking third. Former U-17 star Micayla Johnson (Chicago) struck first, tapping in an 18th-minute cross from Emeri Adames (Seattle). Johnson subsequently became the first US player to score in three straight youth WWCs. Two scrappy Italy goals erased the lead, putting the USWNT’s shot at winning its first U-20 World Cup title since 2012 in question.
Frozen Tundra Faceoff Spotlights NCAA Hockey Titans Wisconsin & Ohio State
NCAA hockey is returning to Lambeau Field, as 2026 champion Wisconsin announced plans to take on runner-up Ohio State in February’s Frozen Tundra Faceoff — marking the NFL stadium’s first hockey action since 2006. The matchup features the sport’s two defining programs, with the rivals combining to win the past seven NCAA titles, including battling each other in the last four finals.
Chicago Sky Place Skylar Diggins on Season-Ending Injury List
Chicago’s rough spell just got rougher. Marquee 2026 signing Skylar Diggins landed on the season-ending injury list after re-aggravating a right knee issue. Diggins hasn’t played for the Sky since July. She initially aired her frustrations on social media before clarifying her benching was tied to injury, not friction with the team. The 36-year-old said she has not requested a trade. She expects to be back with Chicago next season, fulfilling the backend of her two-year, $1.8 million deal.
Venus & Serena Williams Learn 2026 US Open Doubles Path
The Williams sisters are back, as Tuesday’s US Open doubles draw revealed the wildcard duo will face Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint — the Australian teen that downed Serena in her Wimbledon singles return this summer. The two-time US Open doubles champions return to the tournament for the first time since 2022, most recently warming up with a first-round loss to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in Cincinnati last month.
A 10TB hug to Kloop Media: Forensic analysis of the DDoS attack targeting Kloop.kg
In the early morning of the 31 of August (3AM UTC), the independent Kyrgyz news outlet Kloop.kg suffered a a high volume multi-vector DDoS attack aiming to bring the site down. During the seven-hour attack, the attack generated roughly 50 TB of traffic in total — equivalent to around 15 years of the website’s normal traffic volume. The attack targeted Kloop’s article Массовые жалобы на авторские права.
Kloop Media hit by 50TB multi-vector DDoS attack
On 31 August, independent Kyrgyz news outlet Kloop.kg was targeted by a massive seven-hour DDoS attack that generated an estimated 50TB of malicious traffic — equivalent to roughly 15 years of the website’s normal traffic volume. Qurium’s Forensic Lab analyzed a 10 TB sample of the attack, containing approximately three million network flows and close to 15,000 observed source IP addresses.
WPBL Launches Playoff Ticket Sales Ahead of Inaugural Postseason
The WPBL is headed into the final stretch, launching postseason ticket sales ahead of its September 9th playoffs at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. Capping a 30-game regular-season schedule, all four clubs will advance to the playoff bracket. The top seed then faces the No. 4 seed while No. 2 takes on No. 3 in a best-of-three semifinals. The two winners advance to a best-of-five Championship Series starting September 16th.
2026 FM Championship Tees Off as Anna Nordqvist Announces Retirement
The LPGA tees off in Boston today, as world No. 1 Nelly Korda leads 23 of the LPGA’s Top 25 into the 2026 FM Championship with $4.4 million on the line. Thirteen 2026 champions are in the mix, headlined by Korda’s four titles, plus three-time winner Jeeno Thitikul, and two-time champion Haeran Ryu — the FM Championship’s lone returning winner.
Fever vs Sky Clash Delivers Most-Watched Regular-Season WNBA Game Since 1997
WNBA viewership is hitting new heights, as Sunday’s Fever vs Sky clash drew 3.31 million viewers across NBC and Peacock to become the league’s most-watched regular-season game since its first-ever weekend slate. Peaking at 3.82 million, the 113-90 Indiana win ranks as the third-most watched regular-season game on record, trailing only June 1997’s New York vs LA (5.04 million) and Charlotte vs Phoenix (3.59 million) inaugural season-openers on NBC.
Chicago Stars Scrap Ryan Field Move, Return to Martin Stadium in 2027
No. 16 Chicago is extending its lakeside lease, returning to Northwestern’s Martin Stadium in 2027 after scrapping plans to relocate to the football team’s new Ryan Field. The club received pushback from Evanston residents wary of the move, settling on becoming the 12,000-seat venue’s primary tenant as the Wildcats take over the 35,000-capacity addition.
Chelsea Opens Champions League Qualifying Bid Against Real Sociedad
Chelsea’s Champions League campaign starts now, as the eight-time WSL champion hunts redemption against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the 2026/27 UWCL qualifiers. The Blues are looking to punch a ticket to the League Phase after last season’s third-place WSL finish saw them miss an automatic Champions League berth.
Marc Stad Finalizes $4.5 Billion Minnesota Lynx, Timberwolves Buyout
No. 1 Minnesota is changing hands. Minority investor Marc Stad is finalizing a deal to buy the Timberwolves and Lynx at a $4.5 billion valuation. Retired MLB icon Alex Rodriguez will remain Minnesota Lynx governor and co-owner. Elisa Stad will represent the Wolves on the NBA Board of Governors. “I’m really excited the way he feels about Elisa, his wife, and the position that she’ll take,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said.
Following the money (II). The Consultancy Trap – Twenty Years of Immigration Consultancy Abuse
On 17 November 2015, four individuals were named together as defendants in the same case before the Tel Aviv District Court. The plaintiffs were Rockspace Ltd., an Israeli technology company, and the USAGC Organization Ltd., a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. The defendants were Shefi Goldberg, Gal Birand (Behrend), Amit Shulian, and their recently established company, GS AS International Marketing Ltd.
Twenty Years of Immigration Consultancy Abuse
Last week we published the first investigation in the series “Follow the Money”, where a single receipt from a victim of an immigration scam in Australia, exposed a global corporate network of scammers. Today’s follow up investigation digs deeper into the same “modus operandi” and identifies four groups all based in Israel operating since twenty years ago.
Nigeria Football Federation Fires Super Falcons Coach Justine Madugu
The Super Falcons are cleaning house, as the Nigeria Football Federation fired coach Justine Madugu and his technical staff after they failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history. Magdu took over on an interim basis in September 2024. He guided Nigeria to a record-10th WAFCON title in 2024 before the Super Falcons lost the 2026 WAFCON quarterfinals and missed a shot at FIFA’s inter-federation playoffs.
PWHL Confirms Mark Walter Will Retain Ownership Amid Federal Probe
The PWHL is doubling down, telling The Hockey News it expects no front office changes even as sole owner Mark Walter offloads major holdings amid an ongoing federal probe. Walter sold the NBA’s Lakers and his stake in England’s Chelsea this month, sparking fears that the pro women’s hockey league could be next — before a spokesperson shot down that speculation. "Absolutely no expected change to ownership of PWHL," the pro women’s hockey league told the publication.
OKC Spark Shortstop Sydney Romero Wins 1st-Ever AUSL Gold Glove Award
AUSL’s top defender got her flowers, as OKC Spark shortstop Sydney Romero won the league’s first Rawlings Gold Glove Award honoring the year’s best fielder. Romero anchored the Spark infield through a 13-12 season. She beat out fellow finalists Jadelyn Allchin (Utah) and Alyssa Brito (Carolina) after tallying 45 assists, five double plays, and a .974 fielding percentage. “Sydney embodies everything the Rawlings Gold Glove Award represents,” said Rawlings CMO Mike Thompson.
Lani Pallister Ends Katie Ledecky’s 14-Year Gold Medal Streak at Pan Pacs
Katie Ledecky’s reign has ended, as Australia’s Lani Pallister upset the US swimming legend in two key freestyle races at the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships. After narrowly ceding the 1,500-meter freestyle to Ledecky, Pallister won the 400-meter before stealing the 800-meter rubber match to snap the UVA product’s 14-year gold medal run. “Katie’s such a dominant force,” Pallister said afterward.
Cameroon Downs Malawi 3-0 in WAFCON Final Despite Chawinga’s Golden Boot
Malawi’s 2026 Cinderella run fell just short, as Cameroon downed the WAFCON debutants 3-0 in yesterday’s final — while KC Current star Temwa Chawinga earned the Golden Boot for the Scorchers. Marie Ngah Manga’s brace and a Naomi Eto strike sealed the shutout before the break, with the Indomitable Lionesses holding Temwa and sister Tabitha’s Malawi to just two shots on goal.
Project B Announces Plans to Adopt Olympic, FIBA Gender Eligibility Rules
Project B made headlines this week, as the offseason league told Front Office Sports it will adhere to Olympic and FIBA gender eligibility guidelines, citing “consistency and confidence for players and stakeholders.” The IOC effectively barred trans athletes from competing in Olympic women’s sports earlier this year, with FIBA following suit as it continues reviewing basketball-specific data through 2027.
ESPN Expands Women’s College Volleyball, Soccer Coverage for 2026 Season
ESPN is betting on women’s college sports, as the network unveiled expanded coverage across volleyball and soccer ahead of the 2026 NCAA season. The volleyball lineup marks the largest in ESPN history, listing more than 2,400 matches including 106 on linear TV. Everything kicks off with an August 21st showdown between Louisville and defending champion Texas A&M. The network will air the entire NCAA volleyball tournament, culminating in December 20th’s final in San Antonio.
Underdog Malawi Meets Cameroon in Sunday’s WAFCON Final
World No. 153 Malawi rolls on, as the Chawinga sisters powered the tournament debutants past No. 74 Algeria 3-1 to meet Cameroon in Sunday’s WAFCON final. OL Lyonnes’s Tabitha Chawinga opened the scoring with a bicycle kick off a corner in the 34th minute, before sealing the win with a 76th-minute strike. KC Current star Temwa Chawinga netted her fifth goal of the tournament in first-half stoppage time, pulling level with Zambia’s Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride) atop WAFCON’s Golden Boot race.
Chelsea Learns 2026/27 Path in Champions League Qualifying Draw
This year’s Champions League is taking shape, as Tuesday’s third qualifying draw unveiled 2026/27 paths for Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. Hot off a busy transfer window, Chelsea drew Spanish side Real Sociedad, while Real Madrid pulled Dutch titan Ajax, PSG landed Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt, and two-time winner Wolfsburg got Serie A runner-up Inter.
Portland Thorns, USWNT Star Olivia Moultrie Out for Season with ACL Tear
US Soccer lost one of its brightest stars this week. NWSL and USWNT midfielder Olivia Moultrie landed on the season-ending injury list after tearing her ACL in training. The 20-year-old was in the midst of a career-best league run. She’s tallied five goals and five assists to propel No. 5 Portland up the NWSL table.
Corning Classic Returns to 2027 LPGA Schedule, Adds $5M Purse
A celebrated LPGA event is making a comeback, as the Corning Classic returns to the schedule in 2027 after the Western New York tournament's 18-year hiatus. Now known simply as "The Classic," the event leaps from a popular small-market stop to a heavyweight, boosting its purse to $5 million to rank among the highest on the LPGA Tour schedule outside of majors. It additionally marks a massive jump from the $1.5 million paid to 2009 winner Yani Tseng.
Fox Expands Big Ten Volleyball Coverage Ahead of 2026 NCAA Season
Big Ten volleyball is landing on the big stage, as Fox expands its NCAA coverage this season. Its 2026 broadcast lineup headlined by a primetime broadcast of the conference's first-ever Big Ten Women's Volleyball Tournament final. The inaugural tournament runs November 20-25, with 10 of its 14 matches earning national TV coverage. The finalists will then square off alongside Netflix's first Wednesday NFL game and college basketball's Feast Week.
Athletes Unlimited Pauses Pro Volleyball, Basketball Leagues, Shifts Focus to Softball
Athletes Unlimited is tapping the breaks, as the multi-sport operation pulls back from its pro volleyball and basketball leagues to reimagine both products. AU is zeroing in on its pro softball league after second-season ratings jumped 181% on ESPN, with the AUSL serving as its sole property in 2027. “As we look ahead, we’re sharpening our focus on where we can create the greatest long-term impact for athletes, fans, and partners,” AU said in a statement.
Man City Transfers Kerolín to Barcelona for Record Fee
The women’s transfer market is buzzing, as UWCL champion Barcelona landed Brazil’s Kerolín for a record fee. Meanwhile, Arsenal reportedly sends USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger back to the NWSL. Barcelona signed the 26-year-old from Manchester City for £1.25 million, topping 2025 Arsenal addition Olivia Smith’s previous £1 million mark. Kerolín will fill an attacking gap for the Spanish women’s soccer titan, after big-name exits by Alexia Putellas, Mapi León, and Ona Batlle.
$1M Spikes Under the Lights Sets NCAA Volleyball Field
Spikes Under the Lights is set, as organizers announced the $1 million college volleyball exhibition’s August 27th slate this week. The contest pits Nebraska against Florida and Penn State against SMU inside Dallas’s AT&T Stadium. The Nittany Lions arrive with a record 45 NCAA tournament appearances and eight national titles. However, the Huskers counter with 44 appearances and five championships. The Gators round out the field with 36 NCAA appearances.
USA Softball International Cup Kicks Off in Oklahoma City
USA Softball steps up to the plate today, as the 2026 International Cup returns to Oklahoma City’s Devon Park — home to September’s WBSC World Cup Group Stage Olympic qualifiers. The world No. 2 US is split into two squads across the seven-team tournament. The Women’s National Team leads Group B alongside No. 4 Canada, No. 8 China, and No. 11 Australia. Group A’s Women’s Elite Team subsequently faces No. 1 Japan, No. 5 Chinese Taipei, and No. 42 American Samoa.
Mystics Rookie Lauren Betts Wins 2026 Honda Cup After UCLA Title Run
Lauren Betts’s dream season keeps rolling, as the Mystics rookie won the 2026 Honda Cup for Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year on Monday. The UCLA product beat out Pittsburgh volleyball’s Olivia Babcock and Nebraska softball’s Jordyn Frahm for the honor, becoming the 17th basketball player to lift the Cup following Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, Dawn Staley, and more.
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